Ceremonies and Rituals

Kappa Delta Pi

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Contents

CHAPTER INITIATIONS

Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies ...... 1

Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter ...... 2

Reaffirmation Ceremony ...... 8

Ceremony for Graduating Members ...... 11

CHAPTER AWARDS

Awarding Honorary Membership...... 12

NEW CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS

Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies ...... 13

Initiation of Charter Members of Chapter ...... 14

Installation of Chapters...... 19

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies ...... 21

Installation of Chapter Officers ...... 22

Installation of Executive Council Officers ...... 24

ADDENDUM to the Initiation of Members ...... 26

CHAPTER INITIATIONS

Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies The original ritual of Kappa Delta Pi was written for the initiation of new members into the Society and was adopted by the Executive Council on March 3, 1927. The initiation ceremony ritual combined idealism, symbolism, and tradition. The ceremony was conducted in a “reverent and esthetic” manner, with symbols that suggested inspiration, introspection, and consciousness.

Over time, revisions have been made to the original ritual, and additional ceremonies and rituals have been developed as needed. The following pages contain texts for ceremonies as authorized by Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive Council.

Suggested Procedures Adequate preparation for any ritual is essential. Each ceremony should be performed with dignity. Sincerity and simplicity are key concepts, and should be emphasized in all arrangements.

For every initiation and reaffirmation ceremony, a table covered with a white cloth and draped with a purple or green cloth of velvet, satin, or another soft material should be used. Four candles, either white or the Society’s colors (purple or green), should be placed prominently on the table. These candles, which are symbolic of the four ideals, should be lit prior to the beginning of the ceremony or during the ceremony as each of the four Society ideals is described.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates and other materials should be given to each initiate. Additional suggestions for conducting rituals are described in the Initiation Guidebook, which is available on Kappa Delta Pi’s Web site, www.kdp.org.

Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter (Chapters are urged to conduct this impressive ceremony with dignity and sensitivity. The physical facility should be arranged attractively, using significant symbols of the Society, such as the key, banner, or lantern of Kappa Delta Pi, green and/or purple candles, violets, etc. The initiation team, which may be officers or other members of the chapter, should practice the portion of the ritual that they will present. If unison affirmations are to be used, members of the chapter should face the initiating team during the ceremony. The Counselor, President, or a designated person should welcome the initiates and introduce the initiation team by name and position—if appropriate—either before or after the ceremony. This ceremony also is used when a suspended or withdrawn chapter is reactivated.)

The Ceremony (Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)

PRESIDENT: Members of the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, are now assembled to reaffirm faith in the Ideals of our Society and to initiate into membership candidates who seek the bond of our common purpose: to promote excellence in and recognize outstanding contributions to education.

PERSON PRESENTING CANDIDATES: (Name of Chapter President) and members of Kappa Delta Pi, I present these candidates who wish to make the Ideals of our Society their own.

(Ask members and candidates to stand.)

I present for initiation: (Full names, alphabetically by last name, with brief biographical information, if desired, may be presented here or later.)

PRESIDENT: The Historian (or name of another designated person) will now relate the Society’s and this chapter’s origins.

HISTORIAN: Kappa Delta Pi was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois. The Society was incorporated on June 8, 1911. The (Greek name) Chapter was installed by (name of installing officer) on (date of installation).

(Additional historical information available from Headquarters may be included here.)

PRESIDENT: What does membership in Kappa Delta Pi imply?

VICE PRESIDENT: It implies fostering the high ideals of the education profession by assuming trusteeship of a rich professional legacy. It is our privilege and duty as educators to transmit this legacy.

PRESIDENT: Candidates, do you accept the responsibility of transmitting this legacy? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

PRESIDENT: What are the principles upon which the Society is founded?

VICE PRESIDENT: Education is a vital societal force that encourages universal welfare and individual progress. Education is the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation for personal fulfillment. Honor societies conduct rituals and ceremonies to impress upon their members the ideals and duties to which they adhere. Members of Kappa Delta Pi have cherished the Society’s Ideals and accepted the concepts of duty established when the organization was founded. New members of Kappa Delta Pi should be aware of the duties which education imposes and uphold the Ideals of the Society.

PRESIDENT: We present, for your acceptance, the Ideals, which guide members of the Society.

SECRETARY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The first Ideal is that of Fidelity to Humanity. This Ideal implies faith in the potential of human beings and in the improvement of the human condition through education; compassion in the contacts one has, as an educator, with humanity; and dedication to the concept that through continuous education based upon equal opportunity, persons of all ages, races, and creeds will find increased opportunity for experiencing more meaningful lives. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.”)

TREASURER: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The second is the Ideal of Science. This Ideal implies that, as an educator, one will be faithful to the cause of free inquiry and strive to eliminate prejudice and superstition by withholding judgment until accurate and adequate evidence is obtained. One will not distort evidence to support a favorite theory; not be blinded by the new or spectacular; nor condemn the old simply because it is old. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Science.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Science.”)

MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The third Ideal is that of Service. This Ideal is the very essence of education which seeks advancement, not merely for self, but for society as well. The incentive of the great educators of the world has been their desire to serve humanity. Service in education implies living so that others are strengthened and inspired, and striving for the achievement of justice, peace, and a better way of life for all. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Service.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Service.”)

COUNSELOR: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The final Ideal is that of Toil—the will to do the task that must be done whether the task pleases one or not, and faith in the social necessity and intrinsic reward of the education profession. It implies working with such faith and zeal that others are won to the cause of education. If one life has been given greater freedom and nobler vision, toil has not been in vain. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Toil.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Toil.”)

PRESIDENT: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)

Our Society’s emblem incorporates the scroll, the stylus, the beehive, and the characters K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi). Many of the treasures of antiquity, which form the foundation of modern education, rest upon scrolls of papyrus. The golden scroll, therefore, is the foundation of our emblem. The shaft running through the scroll is the stylus, the first instrument known to be used in making letters and figures. The beehive symbolizes toil. The characters, K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi) represent our motto— Knowledge, Duty, Power—words expressing the entire meaning of our educational ideals.

PRESIDENT: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you. Are you ready to assume the obligation of membership in Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”

CANDIDATES: I am.

PRESIDENT: Please repeat after me the obligation of the Society: I promise to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi and to cooperate to expand the influence of its purpose and Ideals.

I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, pledged to be faithful to its Ideals, and worthy to enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.

COUNSELOR: (Call forward initiates individually and present the certificate and the Creed, and extend congratulations. Ask the initiates to sign and date the creed when they receive it, prior to returning to their seat.)

Initiates, you have just taken upon yourself the obligation of the Society as given to you by our Chapter President. To assist you in knowing and honoring this commitment; you are receiving a copy of the Kappa Delta Pi Creed which will be yours to keep. Please sign and date the Creed you receive prior to returning to you seat.

(Ask initiates to stand before reading.)

We greet you as colleagues in the quest for a full, knowledgeable, and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by using their heritage; to develop a concern for the needs of others; and to strengthen moral character and personality so that collectively, as members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy examples of a rich, wholesome life. To these purposes and challenges, in firm faith, we devote our lives. So to teach, that our words inspire a will to learn; so to serve, that each day may enhance the growth of exploring minds; so to live, that we may guide young and old to know the truth and love the right. To the fulfillment of these objectives, we pledge our efforts and our faith.

As a member of Kappa Delta Pi you will be expected to exemplify a commitment to equity by preparing yourself for the diversity — ethnic, social, language, ability, and otherwise—you will face every day as an educator.

It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome you into Kappa Delta Pi.

Reaffirmation Ceremony (If the chapter wishes to recognize members transferring from another chapter, this ceremony may be used. It also should be used when charter members of a chapter are reaffirming membership.)

The Ceremony (Reaffirming members should be seated with initiates at the front of the room.)

PRESIDING OFFICER: The chapters of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, exist to promote excellence in and recognize outstanding contributions to education. Any person who has been initiated into membership in a chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is eligible to seek membership in another chapter of the Society.

ASSISTING OFFICER: For what purpose do members of Kappa Delta Pi seek membership and fellowship in this chapter?

PRESIDING OFFICER: Individuals request membership in this chapter for the purpose of continuing professional fellowship and growth in education.

You have heard a brief statement about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities which are to become yours as you renew your membership in Kappa Delta Pi through affiliation with the (Greek name) Chapter. With these in mind, do you desire to become a member of this chapter? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: The Assisting Officer will present the candidate(s) for membership and state the name(s) of the chapter(s) into which he or she was first initiated (or from which they hold current membership, if different).

ASSISTING OFFICER: I have requests for membership in the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi from the following qualified candidate(s):

(Candidates come forward as their names are called. The Assisting Officer will read each name followed by: “Initiated by or transferring from Greek name Chapter.”)

PRESIDING OFFICER: Candidate(s) for membership in the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, do you this day reaffirm your adherence to the Ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil which you accepted when you became a member of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATE(S): I do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: I now declare you a member in the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (or, if the chapter is being installed, simply “Kappa Delta Pi”). It is our sincere hope that your membership in this chapter will bring genuine opportunities for mature consideration of the challenges facing educators and for fostering professional growth.

On behalf of the membership of this Society, I welcome you to the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (or, if the chapter is being installed, simply “to Kappa Delta Pi”).

Ceremony for the Graduating Members

(This is an optional ceremony, which may be used immediately following the initiation ritual to recognize graduating members at the same meeting. It is appropriate at any time during the final semester leading to graduation. This ceremony is only appropriate for members who are current with Headquarters and meet minimum chapter activity requirements. Lay cords or stoles on the table next to initiation paraphernalia, such as chapter charter, candles, cloisonné pins, creeds, and certificates.)

COUNSELOR: During the initiation ritual we just reaffirmed our commitment to the Ideals of the Society. The Society impacts the lives of others only as far as we, the members, continue to live the ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil. This means we continue to promote education that develops more meaningful lives based on unbiased science. We inspire and strengthen others, and promote peace and social justice by working to create self-actualized lives. The Kappa Delta Pi motto of Knowledge, Duty, and Power is our way of life.

To this end, Kappa Delta Pi continues to provide the tools that support professional growth for members who embark upon a life of service following graduation from baccalaureate, master, or doctoral programs. This support includes opportunities to meet other educators who value the same ideas and commitment to education, career planning, and network support.

Membership does not end with your collegiate years. We expect your commitment to continue to develop leadership skills through membership in a local Professional/Alumni Chapter or by volunteering on a KDP committee. Earn continuing education credit through KDP’s Webinar series, read publications and e-newsletters, participate in practicing teacher sessions at Convocation, or present at KDP conferences.

Kappa Delta Pi provides support throughout your life-cycle as an educator, from novice teacher through distinguished teacher to emeriti.

(Ask graduates to come forward and receive the honor cords when their names are read. If time and numbers allow, briefly state a contribution each graduate has made to the chapter.)

CHAPTER AWARDS

Awarding Honorary Membership (Please check the Society Bylaws for Honorary Membership eligibility requirements.)

The Ceremony PRESIDENT: Will (name of Honorary Member) please come forward? It is our privilege as the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, to recognize you for your distinguished service. You have provided evidence of your devotion to the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity and loyalty to the Ideal of Science and all that it implies in the promotion of free inquiry. Your professional career is testament to your faith in Service, of your untiring zeal in your work, and of your commitment to those for whom you are responsible. You have demonstrated your willingness to Toil so that the ideals of education may be more clearly understood, more successfully applied, and more vitally realized in an educated citizenry.

Because you have exemplified the Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi, on behalf of the (Greek name) Chapter, I am pleased to welcome you as an Honorary Member, with all the rights and privileges thereof.

It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to present you with this certificate.

NEW CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Certificates, Creeds and other materials should be given to each initiate. The Creeds should be signed at the initiation ceremony. Additional suggestions for conducting rituals are described in the Initiation Guidebook, which is available on Kappa Delta Pi’s Web site, www.kdp.org.

Initiation of Charter Members of Chapter (This ceremony is to be used by Society officers when installing charter members of a chapter. If other members of Kappa Delta Pi are present, the installing officer can invite them to take part in the ceremony and assign them specific sections of the ritual to conduct. If Kappa Delta Pi members are not present, the installing officer will conduct the ceremony alone.)

The Ceremony (Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: Education is a vital societal force that encourages universal welfare and individual progress. Education is the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation for personal fulfillment. The purpose of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is to promote excellence in and recognize outstanding contributions to education. The Society endeavors to maintain a high degree of fellowship among its members, promote professional growth, and honor achievement in educational work. To these ends, Kappa Delta Pi invites to membership only those persons who exhibit commendable professional qualities, worthy educational ideals, and sound scholarship, without regard to race, age, culture, religion, gender, or disability.

Your presence at this initiation ceremony indicates your desire to become a member of Kappa Delta Pi and to seek the bond of our common purpose: to promote excellence in and recognize outstanding contributions to education.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: Honor societies conduct rituals and ceremonies to impress upon their members the ideals and duties to which they adhere. Members of Kappa Delta Pi have cherished the Society’s Ideals and accepted the concepts of duty established when the organization was founded.

INSTALLING OFFICER: As candidates for the privileges of membership in Kappa Delta Pi, do you desire to learn more about these Ideals? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: We present for your acceptance the Ideals of this Society.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)

INSTALLING OFFICER: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you. Are you ready to take the obligation of membership in Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”

CANDIDATES: I am.

INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask initiates to stand.)

Please repeat after me the obligation of the Society: I promise to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi and to cooperate to expand the influence of its purpose and Ideals.

I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, pledged to be faithful to its Ideals, and worthy to enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.

It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome you into Kappa Delta Pi.

(Call each initiate forward individually, present him or her with a certificate, and extend congratulations.)

(Initiates may be seated.)

Installation of Chapters (Following the reaffirmation and initiation of charter members, the following ceremony, conducted only by a member or designate of the Executive Council, is held to establish a chapter.)

The Ceremony INSTALLING OFFICER: Members of Kappa Delta Pi, you have expressed your desire to pledge fidelity to the Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education. An even greater responsibility, however, is being assigned to you—a new chapter of the Society.

The Executive Council of Kappa Delta Pi has found you worthy of being entrusted with the welfare and promulgation of the purpose and Ideals of this Society. We believe that you are deserving of this trust and responsibility. Prior to the installation of this chapter, however, we ask that you confirm your obligations.

Do you affirm your adherence to the purpose of Kappa Delta Pi and to the Ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

MEMBERS: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to maintain the honor and dignity of our Society? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

MEMBERS: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the requirements of the Constitution and Bylaws and the regulations established by the Executive Council of this Society, and do you also promise to uphold the Society’s standards for membership? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

MEMBERS: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: Then I declare to you, your associates, and successors that the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi exists and will have succession as such, forever. To remain an active Kappa Delta Pi chapter in good standing, you must conduct two meetings per year, hold one initiation per year, submit all required reports, and observe the Kappa Delta Pi Constitution and Bylaws. You now have all the rights, duties, and privileges of Kappa Delta Pi chapters.

(Call designated representatives forward by name and title.)

In confirmation of these privileges and responsibilities which are now yours and, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Executive Council of Kappa Delta Pi, I present this charter to (designated representative) and thus signify the installation of the (Greek name) Chapter.

(Designated representatives may be seated.)

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Installation of Chapter Officers (The Counselor or, in the event of his or her election or reelection, a designated member of the Society should serve as the installing officer.)

The Ceremony INSTALLING OFFICER: (Call elected officers forward.)

The (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, has found you worthy of confidence and of receiving the honor of leadership and trusteeship. True to the Ideal of Toil, you have been called to labor with even greater energy for the growth of this chapter and for Kappa Delta Pi. Your fidelity, industry, and judgment will be critical in broadening the influence of Kappa Delta Pi. Your zeal will increase the cooperation of your fellow members. Your vision will make brighter the goal of our united efforts. As our representatives, you are exemplars of the (Greek name) Chapter.

Do you accept the position as an officer of the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi, and the Bylaws of the (Greek name) Chapter? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask members of the chapter to rise and address them.)

Do you accept these members of the (Greek name) Chapter as your officers for the coming year, and do you pledge your cooperation in increasing the influence of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “We do.”

MEMBERS: We do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: I now have the honor of declaring you (state names and corresponding titles), officers of the (Greek name) Chapter. We, as members, have pledged our confidence in and support of you as you guide this chapter in the fulfillment of its purposes.

Installation of Executive Council Officers (The Society Past President or, in the event of his or her absence, a designated member of the Society appointed specifically for the purpose will serve as the Installing Officer.)

The Ceremony INSTALLING OFFICER: (Call the elected officers forward.)

The members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, have found you worthy of confidence and of receiving the honor of leadership and trusteeship as Executive Council members. True to the Ideal of Toil, you have been called to labor with even greater energy for the growth of this Society. Your fidelity, industry, and judgment will be critical in broadening the influence of Kappa Delta Pi. Your zeal will increase the cooperation of your fellow members. Your vision will make brighter the goal of our united efforts.

Do you accept the officer position on Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive Council to which you have been elected? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask members of the Society to rise and address them.)

Do you accept these members of Kappa Delta Pi as your duly elected Executive Council representatives for the coming biennium, and do you pledge your cooperation in increasing the influence of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “We do.”

MEMBERS: We do.

INSTALLING OFFICER: I now have the honor of declaring you (state names and corresponding offices), international officers of Kappa Delta Pi. We, as members, have pledged to you our confidence and support as you guide this Society in the fulfillment of its purposes and ideals.

Addendum to the Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter (The following addendum to the Initiation ceremony has updated language that could be used in translation and ease of understanding terminology. The inclusion of this information in the Ritual and Ceremonies Guide was approved by the Executive Council in March 2013.)

The Ceremony (Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)

PRESIDENT: Members of the (Greek Name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education have gathered to renew their dedication to the Society and to connect with new members toward the united purposes of the Society: the promotion of excellence in and recognition of exceptional contributions to education.

PERSON PRESENTING CANDIDATES: (Name of Chapter President) and members of Kappa Delta Pi, I present these candidates who wish to make the Ideals of our Society their own.

(Ask members and candidates to stand.)

I present for initiation: (Full names, alphabetically by last name, with brief biographical information, if desired, may be presented here or later.)

PRESIDENT: The Historian (or name of another designated person) will now relate the Society’s and this chapter’s origins.

(Additional historical information available from Headquarters may be included here.)

PRESIDENT: What does membership in Kappa Delta Pi imply?

VICE PRESIDENT: We encourage the high standards of the education profession by recognizing the strong professional work done before our time. It is our honor and obligation as educators to carry this strong work forward.

PRESIDENT: Candidates, do you accept the responsibility of transmitting this legacy? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

PRESIDENT: What are the principles upon which the Society is founded?

VICE PRESIDENT: Education is a vital global force that encourages worldwide prosperity and individual advancement. Education is the foundation of equality and the basis for personal fulfillment. Honor societies conduct ceremonies to express to their members the standards to be achieved and the responsibilities to be undertaken. Members of Kappa Delta Pi have valued the Society’s Ideals and accepted the tasks established when the organization began. New members of Kappa Delta Pi should be aware of the responsibilities which education requires and maintain the Ideals of the Society.

PRESIDENT: We present for your acceptance the Ideals which guide members of the Society.

SECRETARY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The first ideal is that of Fidelity to Humanity - faithfulness to humanity. This implies belief in the potential of human beings and the self-actualization of lives through education; understanding that compassion through personal contact; and dedication to equal learning opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, ethnicity, or culture.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.”)

TREASURER: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The second ideal is that of Science. This implies free inquiry, which includes protection of human subjects under the supervision of Institutional Review Boards. Researchers, respecting the sanctity of human life, will not alter data to support a favorite theory, product, or benefactor. Educators will resolve to be wise consumers of research, fighting to stamp out partiality and irrational beliefs by evaluating research findings and then confirming or disconfirming researchers’ conclusions. To science be ever true.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Science.”)

MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The third ideal is that of Service. This implies service beyond the classroom and the school, and includes the community. Members are held to a higher standard as educators and lead by example. Members strive by words and actions to make the world a better place for everyone. To be a teacher, one must be willing to be someone’s hero and embrace all that this implies.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Service.”)

COUNSELOR: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)

The final ideal is that of Toil - the hard work required by educators to fully accomplish the task of educating others whether the task is pleasing or not. There are many jobs that must be done: lesson plans, assessments, and so on, whether we enjoy those tasks or not. Not only do we work hard, but we do it with a joyful heart as we endeavor to convince others of the necessity and importance of our work. We work hard to assist our students to have those breakthrough moments, to help them gain insights and become excited about learning. If we can manage this for even one student in a classroom, it has been worth all of our hard work. If we can manage it for more, our joy is even greater. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Toil.

PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”

CANDIDATES: I do.

(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Toil.”)

PRESIDENT: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)

The Society’s emblem combines a scroll, a stylus, a beehive, and the Greek letters K (Kappa), D (Delta), and P (Pi). Ancient manuscripts at the foundation of modern education were written and preserved on papyrus. The golden scroll symbolizes our educational foundation contained in these ancient texts. The rod through the scroll is a stylus. While not used to write on papyrus, it was one of the first instruments used to create letters and numbers. The beehive stands for hard work. The three Greek characters represent our motto—Knowledge, Duty, Power–words summing up the purpose and focus of our educational standards.

PRESIDENT: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you. Are you ready to assume the obligation of membership in Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”

CANDIDATES: I am.

PRESIDENT: Please repeat after me the responsibilities you take upon yourself as a member of the Society: I accept the rules provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi. I will work together with other members of the Society to enlarge the impact of its purposes and standards as I understand them.

I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, pledged to uphold its Ideals, and worthy to enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.

Initiates, you have just taken upon yourself the obligation of the Society as given to you by our Chapter President. To assist you in knowing and honoring this commitment; you are receiving a copy of the Kappa Delta Pi Creed, which will be yours to keep. Please sign and date the Creed you receive prior to returning to you seat.

(Ask initiates to stand before reading.)

We greet you as colleagues in the search for a full, knowledgeable, and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by respecting their unique cultural legacy; to develop a concern for the needs of others; and to strengthen moral character and personality so that together, as members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy examples of a rich and wholesome life. To these aspirations, we devote our lives. We desire to teach in a way that motivates learning, to serve in a way that develops curious minds, and to live in a way that promotes a love of truth and morality. We promise to aspire to these objectives.

It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome you into Kappa Delta Pi.